Born: 1975 (Dresden, Germany)
Biography:
Sandra Kiriasis (née Prokoff; born 4 January 1975 in Dresden) is a German former bobsledder who has made a significant impact on the sport throughout her career. Known for her exceptional skills and determination, Kiriasis has achieved numerous successes and has left a lasting legacy in women’s bobsleigh.
Kiriasis began her bobsledding career in 2000 and quickly emerged as a force to be reckoned with. She showcased her exceptional talent at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, where she won the silver medal in the two-woman event alongside teammate Ulrike Holzner. This marked the beginning of a series of impressive achievements for Kiriasis.
At the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Kiriasis solidified her status as one of the best bobsledders in the world when she clinched the gold medal in the two-woman event with teammate Anja Schneiderheinze. Her flawless performances and unwavering determination contributed to their triumph and cemented her place in bobsleigh history.
Kiriasis’ success extended beyond the Olympics. She garnered eight medals at the FIBT World Championships, including five golds in the two-woman event in 2005, 2007, and 2008. Additionally, she secured gold medals in the mixed team event in 2007, 2008, and 2009. Kiriasis also claimed two silver medals in the two-woman event in 2003 and 2004, displaying her consistent excellence over the years.
Her dominance was further exemplified by her outstanding performance in the Bobsleigh World Cup. Kiriasis won the overall two-woman Bobsleigh World Cup an astonishing nine times, in the seasons spanning from 2003-2004 to 2010-2011. She also amassed a record-breaking 43 World Cup victories, leaving her mark as one of the most successful bobsledders in the history of the sport.
Kiriasis retired from bobsleigh in 2014 after the Winter Olympics. However, her passion for sports led her to join the Nürnberger BC basketball team in July of the same year, serving as a fitness coach. The determination and drive that made her a remarkable athlete was now being shared and instilled in other athletes.
In 2017, Kiriasis took on a new role as the driving coach for the Jamaican women’s bobsleigh team. This appointment was historic as it marked the team’s first-ever qualification for the Winter Olympics, which took place in 2018 in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Kiriasis played a pivotal role in preparing the Jamaican team, using her expertise and experience to guide them to success.
Despite her invaluable contributions, Kiriasis had a falling out with the Jamaica Bobsleigh Federation shortly before the start of bobsleigh training at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Due to a demotion in her position from driver coach to the role of track and performance analyst, Kiriasis decided to part ways with the team. Regardless of the circumstances, her impact on the Jamaican women’s bobsleigh team and the sport as a whole was significant and transformative.
Sandra Kiriasis has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on women’s bobsleigh. Her exceptional achievements, unwavering determination, and passion for the sport have made her a true trailblazer. Kiriasis is an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a crucial figure in women’s history in sports.
Awards:
– 2002 Winter Olympics: Silver medal in the two-woman event
– 2006 Winter Olympics: Gold medal in the two-woman event
– FIBT World Championships:
– Two-woman event: 5 gold medals (2005, 2007, 2008) and 2 silver medals (2003, 2004)
– Mixed team event: 3 gold medals (2007, 2008, 2009)
– Bobsleigh World Cup: Overall two-woman Bobsleigh World Cup winner in 2003-4, 2004–5, 2005–6, 2006-7, 2007-8, 2008-9, 2009–10, 2010–11
– Record holder for most World Cup race victories with 43 wins.